Verify your account via SMS or Voice Call

Note for Google Apps users: In an effort to protect our users and combat abuse of our systems, we sometimes ask admins to verify their identity via SMS or a phone call before they're able to complete some actions in the Control Panel. If you have any problems, visit the Google Apps for Administrators Help Forum.

Why Google asks for your phone number to verify your account

In an effort to protect our users from abuse, we sometimes ask users to prove they’re not a robot before they're able to create or sign in to accounts. Having this additional confirmation via phone is an effective way to keep spammers from abusing our systems.

Cost of text messages or calls

The cost of your text or voice messages will vary depending on your plan and provider, but will likely be your standard text message and call charges. Contact your mobile phone provider for details.

Text message delivery is slow

Text message delivery can be delayed if you live in a densely populated area or if your carrier's infrastructure isn't well maintained. If you've waited more than a few minutes and still haven't received our text message, try the voice call option.

"Maximum number of accounts reached"

If you see the error message, "This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts," you'll have to use a different number. In an effort to protect our users from abuse, we limit the number of accounts each phone number can create.

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Kaley is on the Accounts support team and author of this help page. Please leave suggestions below on how to improve her article.